Amethyst is a purple colored variety of quartz is is the most valued of the quartz family.

Amethyst

Amethyst deposits are found in many location with Brazil being the largest. Amethyst is also found in Mexico, Bolivia, Zambia, Argentina and the United States to name a few.

Amethysts from Russia are deeply colored and referred to as ‘Siberian Amethyst’. These deposits have since been exhausted and thus command a greater price.

Amethyst is sometimes heat treated to deepen the purple color or to produce Citrine and green Quartz known as Prasiolite. A dual color Amethyst/Citrine stone known in the trade as Ametrine is also found naturally or produced by heat treating.

Amethyst

The word Amethyst comes from the Greek word ‘amethystos’ which translates to ‘Not Intoxicating’. It is believed that Amethyst prevents the wearer from becoming intoxocated. Ancient people drank from goblets created from Amethyst to avoid becoming drunk.

Amethyst is mentioned in the Christian Bible many times, most notably as one of the stones in high priest Aaron’s breastplate.